Over 86% of New Yorkers want universal pre-k, poll says

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NEW YORK (PIX11) — Mayor Bill de Blasio got a stamp of approval on Wednesday after polls suggested that 86% of New Yorkers are in favor of funding for universal pre-K.

Quinnipiac University released the poll days after the State Assembly and State Senate budgets included full funding for universal pre-K in New York City.

“New York’s voters are clear – they want their elected officials to pass a budget that includes a real pre-K plan,” John Gold, Campaign Director of UPKNYC, said in a statement. “73,000 four-year-olds have places to go and teachers to teach them – they’re just waiting for the funding.”

The plan would call for $340 million in pre-K funding this year and $190 million on after-school programs. According to universal pre-k and after-school campaign, UPKNYC, pre-K applications are up almost 30%.

Economists and early childhood experts alike agree that investments made in pre-K and after-school programs provide major economic benefits in the short term and long term and avoid costly outcomes like incarceration, special education, teen pregnancy and future low earnings.